Minister Paudel urges girls aged 10-14 to receive HPV vaccine

KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has urged girls aged 10-14 to receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which helps protect against cervical cancer.
In a video message released on Friday, the Minister highlighted the increasing risk of cervical cancer in Nepal and stressed that vaccination is a key preventive measure. “The nationwide vaccination campaign will target girls from grade six to ten, and the Department of Health Services will also ensure access to the vaccine for out-of-school girls aged 10-14,” said Minister Paudel in his message.

He also called for the enthusiastic participation of all relevant stakeholders, including women community health volunteers and representatives from the health and education sectors, to help make the campaign a success. Minister Paudel urged girls from the target age group to get vaccinated at their respective schools or nearby centers.

The government is set to launch the HPV vaccination drive from February 4-18, aiming to vaccinate 1.68 million girls.